Anesthesia and Sedation
Our practice prioritizes patient comfort, so we bring you two options for anesthesia and sedation – nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, and oral conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide reduces awareness of pain and nervousness, and it helps patients relax, then wears off immediately after we stop the gas flow. Patients who experience stress and anxiety over dental care, as well as those who need lengthy or multiple procedures performed in one visit, benefit from oral conscious sedation. This type of sedation involves taking a sedative, sometimes in combination with nitrous oxide delivery, to induce a deep state of relaxation. If you choose oral conscious sedation, you’ll need to schedule a driver to escort you to and from our office, and plan to stay home the remainder of the day following your procedure.
Zoom! Whitening | Teeth Whitening
Why Zoom!?
After brushing and flossing, do you look in the mirror and wonder why your clean teeth look dingy or yellow? You may have even tried a home whitening system, but found the results disappointing. If this is your life, you need Zoom! Whitening.
A safe and effective system, Zoom! Whitening is used in over 15,000 dental offices internationally. The painless process can remove the toughest stains and create a dazzlingly white, long-lasting smile in just one hour.
Zoom! Whitening | Teeth Whitening
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Everyday, your teeth get a thorough workout. While the top layers are made of durable enamel and dentin, they can become discolored by wine, tea, coffee, or tobacco. Even medication, antibiotics, excessive fluoride, and aging can cause stains and discoloration.
You will find a vast variety of over-the-counter home whitening products on the market, the professional Zoom! Whitening system elicits far greater results. If you want whiter teeth, ask us about Zoom! Whitening today. First you’ll need a thorough examination so we can tell you if this is the right teeth whitening system for you.
The Zoom! Whitening Process
After making yourself comfy in our operatory chair, we’ll place protective coverings over your lips and gums. Then we’ll apply the Zoom! Whitening gel to your teeth. The active ingredient in the gel is a pH-balanced hydrogen peroxide. A special low-heat light will activate the gel. It will penetrate the enamel and dentin in your teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. Afterwards, we will apply a fluoride treatment to complete the one-hour procedure. That’s it - in and out. Zoom!
Many patients report that Zoom! Whitening has made their teeth six to ten shades whiter. Some have even said that their smile became brighter days after their dental appointment. More importantly, the results lasted for years. If you notice any discoloration, the Zoom! Whitening System includes a take-home touch-up kit with comfortable custom-made trays. Regular brushing and flossing, plus an annual touch-up at home, and your teeth can remain dazzlingly white for years.
Safe and Effective
Lately, the media has been abuzz with articles about the safety of teeth whitening. Extensive research and clinical studies by organizations such as the American Dental Association indicate that professional teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure.
As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! Whitening is not recommended for children under 13 and pregnant or lactating women. If you have light sensitivity from undergoing PUVA therapy (Psoralen + UV Radiation) or other photochemotherapy, you should not use Zoom! Whitening. People taking light sensitive drugs or substances should also consult the dentist and primary physician prior to using Zoom! Whitening. If you have strong gag reflex or feel anxious about dentistry, talk to your dentist about helpful options.
You don’t have to live with dingy, yellow teeth anymore. A bright, sparkling smile can change the way people see you and how you feel about yourself. So what are you waiting for? Hurry in for your Zoom! Whitening treatment; it will put a smile on your face.
Veneer Placement: The Birth of a Beautiful Smile
Cosmetic dentistry is transforming lives through complete smile makeovers, and porcelain veneers lead the list of aesthetic treatments as a wildly popular procedure. If you’re considering porcelain veneers for a new smile, here’s what you can expect.
First Appointment
You will need to schedule an hour or two for your initial appointment, and you may want to take photos or magazine clippings to show your dentist the kind of smile you prefer. After a thorough examination to assess your oral health and existing dentition, your dentist will discuss with you the kind of smile you envision. Be prepared to discuss the color and shape of your ideal smile at this appointment.
Veneer Placement | Cosmetic Dentistry
The dentist will take notes on the shade of your teeth, your facial features, and measurements of your face. He’ll consider your skin tone and facial symmetry when designing your veneers. If you have questions about your veneers or the procedure, your dentist should be happy to give comprehensive answers. You may want to ask to see his portfolio or inquire about digital imaging, which is software that manipulates a photo to predict what you will look like after your smile makeover.
Tooth Preparation
Often during the first appointment, your dentist will gently buff your teeth to remove 1 to 2 mm of enamel in preparation for your new veneers. Tooth reduction will allow the veneers to lie flat, in line with surrounding teeth. Reshaping of teeth may also be required to create the look you want.
Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to send to the lab. Before you leave the dental chair, temporary veneers will be placed. Your teeth may feel sensitive until the permanent veneers are placed.
Behind the Scenes
After your first appointment, your dentist will order your veneers from a dental lab. A talented ceramist will handcraft the porcelain veneers from durable materials that look and function like natural dentition. The information your dentists provides the lab will ensure that you receive veneers that will create a smile that complements your appearance. The lab will ship your veneers to your dentist’s office.
Veneer Placement
Local anesthetic may be administered to ensure your complete comfort during veneer placement. Your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and check the fit of your permanent veneers. You can look at the shape, color, and fit before they are attached. If adjustments need to be made, you should tell your dentist at this time. Veneers cannot be altered once in place.
If all is well, your dentist will permanently bond the new veneers to the front surface of your teeth. First, he will apply a mild acidic solution to clean the surface of your teeth, then he will bond the veneers in place. A small light will cure the bonding material. The dentist will make sure that the veneers allow adequate flossing space.
Your New Smile
In as few as two dental visits, you can enjoy a completely new smile! If you’re considering a smile makeover, call us for a complementary consultation. A few veneers may change your life.